detoxifies

Detoxifies is the third-person singular present tense of the verb detoxify. In biology and medicine, to detoxify means to remove, neutralize, or render toxins harmless in a living organism or its environment. Detoxification can occur naturally or through intentional interventions.

In biology, detoxification is often centered in the liver but involves other organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and intestines. Phase I reactions, including oxidation by enzymes like cytochrome P450, introduce reactive sites. Phase II reactions conjugate toxins for water-soluble excretion in urine or bile.

Clinically, detoxification covers poisoning treatment, antidotes, and supportive care. It also includes withdrawal management in substance use disorders. Some toxins require specific therapies, such as chelation for certain heavy metals, while others rely on hydration and monitoring.

Environmental detoxification refers to removing toxins from air, water, and soil. Techniques include chemical oxidation, adsorption, filtration, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, often applied to industrial effluents and contaminated sites to reduce ecological risk and meet regulatory standards.

Detox claims in diets and supplements are common but vary in evidentiary support. The body’s own detoxification systems play a role, and robust evidence for rapid toxin elimination in healthy individuals is limited. Experts generally favor evidence-based approaches over unproven detox regimens.